Turnbuckle lock



Sept. 11, 1923.

. R. A. HOFFMANN TURNBUCKLE LOCK Filed Oct. 29, 1919 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 5 l -3 EP -3 E1 1 m km kkm n I. mwn .2 E

:INVENTOR Sept. 11, 1923. 1,467.319 R. A. HOFFMANN TURNBUCKLE LOCK w Filed Oct. 29 1919 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 "HIE EETIEz-L- ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 11, 1923.

UNITED s r as" v manna RICHARDJA. HOFFMANN, or ROSEBANK, saw YORK.

TURN'BUCKLE nook.

Application filed 0ctober'29, 1919. Serial No. 334,257.

To all whomit may concern:

Be it known that I, RICHARD A. Horr- MANN, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Rosebank, S .;I., in the county of Richmond and'State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Turnbuckle Locks, of which the following is a specification. y

This invention relates to improvements in turnbuckles or similar machine elements wherein a pair of aligned rods or stems,

threaded right and left respectively, arev an ordinary turnbuckle does not keep its adjusted position very long, as the tensional strain of the rods will gradually turn the buckle back, especially when the rods are attached to twisted strands which, together with everchanging windstresses or constant vibrations, induce and facilitate a quick slackening of the turnbuckle from its tightened position. As this would undoubtedly weaken and endanger the whole structure the importance of some reliable and handy locking device. to prevent this incidental slackening of the buckle is self-evident.

One object of the invention therefore is to provide a turnbuckle-lock system which, while based upon and restricted to the "fundamental requirements of the problem, shall be comprehensive and elasticenough to be applicable tojmost diiferent conditions and demands, yet will preserve and clearly exhibit its few typical elements inall its'diversified shapes and constructions. Another object' is to make such system applicable to existing standard tu'rnbuckles without requiring any changes "of their shape or expensive alterations.

detachable locking mechanism. Y

of Figure 2- showing third object, harmonizing with the last named, is to contrive a system which can be represented by a self-contained'and easily fourth object is to provide a 'locking dev ce which does not, on account of its mode of operation or'construction, impair the working strength of the turnbuckle.

A fifth object is to provide means for instantly locking or releasing the turnbuckle by a simple manipulation withoutthe use i or tools or detaching any separate parts; like cotter pins, locknuts, loose keys, wires orthe like.

Asixth object is to provide a positive look i which will operate at practically any desired point of the adjustable length of the/turnbuckle. r r i A seventh object is to provide means whereby the'turnbuckle is locked automatically when the thread begins to slacken, in

case the previous manual locking has been carelessly executed or not fully accomplished.

Aneighth object. is simplicity and low cost of manufacture, together with'strength and durability of construction.

These various objects, are attained by a coherent system whose scientific principles will be set forth hereafter and which is'illus trated in some of its possible phases and combinations by the novel devices and mechanisms herein described and shown in the' accompanying drawings," in which Figure 1 is an assembled view showing two turnbucklelocks with automatic engagement, designed inaccordance with the invention and applied to tatu'rnbuckle of the larger size and of such design and proportions as are accepted by most American manufacturers as r standard. The turnbuckle-lock to the right is'shown in a cocked position, that is, ready to close automati cally.

Figure '2' is a sectional view on line'22 of Figure r a I Figure 3 is a sectional view on line 3- 3 of FigureQ showing thesupport of the auto-' matic engagement device. a

Figure 4 is a sectional view online 4.'4,

the locking device proper. v

Figure 5 is a sectional view on line 5-5 of'Figure 2, illustrating the starlock-frame.

Figure 6 shows a detail, in perspective, of the skid which supports the lock.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of this look.

Figure 8 is a detail view of the star-lockfranre.

Figure 9 is a sectional view on line 99 of Figure 8.

Figure 1G is a detail view of the plate shown in Figure 3 which supports the automatic engagement spring.

Figure 11 shows how the inner terminals of the threaded rods are shaped to form the key which the system requires.

Figure 12 shows an end view of this key.

Figure 13 is a side-view showing a simplification of the device displayed in Figures l and 2, waiving the advantage that the. automatic engagement and the pro vision for adjusting the starlock-plate by shimplates afford. The turnbuckle is indi-- cated by dotted lines only.

Figure 1a is a view of the outer end of the device.

Figure 15 is a view of the inner end of the device.

Figure 16 shows a turnbuckle starlock with its look engaging the outside tnread of the bolt. Starlock-plate and locking device form one single plate.

Figure 1'? is a side view of this device.

Figure 18 shows an inner end view of it.

Figure 19 is a sectional view taken on line 1919 of Figure 16.

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken on line 2020 of Figure 16.

Figure 21 shows a development of the plate which when bent as shown in Figures 16 and 17 forms the device illustrated.

Figure represents a similar arrangement manufactured from one single wire.

Figure '23 is a front end view of this look.

Figure 24 is a rear end view of the same.

Figures to are diagrams to be consulted in connection with the theory of leading principles of the system which is about to be propounded.

Other applications of the system, especially its modification for finer threads, such as for instance are used for airplane bracing, are shown and described in separate applications for Letters Patent.

Referring now in particular to the fourth object of this invention, it is obvious that any interruption of the thread by any holes, grooves, or the like, either longitudinal or crossways, would weaken the tensional strength of the rodsand the smooth action of the thread. The application of side pressure upon it for the purpose of locking would likewise be undesirable and injurious to the thread, besides being unreliable.

There is however one single point in a turnbuckle which never comes under tensional stress, this is the extreme and idle portion of the inner terminal which consequently is the proper place for making the unavoidable inroad upon the material, or addition to it, as the case may be. This latter is preferred and accomplished by giving the terminal such a section that an inner surrounding stationary part can take some grip upon it, forming thereby a male and female combination.

While the surrounding part must be stationary in relation to the rotary motion of the thread, it must be movable in an axial direction for the purpose'of easily engaging or disengaging the rod. This is best accomplished by utilizing the slot usually provided in acommon turnbuckle as a slide for the plate or frame forming this other half of the male and female combination (see Figures 1 and 5), or providing a separate slot for such purposes. The frame itself can, in addition, he formed with side flanges i and 5 (Figures 8 and 9), to increase the bearing surface and to secure its position and guidance at right angles to the turnbuckle axis.

Regarding the male and female combination it is obvious, if the male member or key is closely and uninterruptedly surrounded by the female member or keyway, if for example it consists of a key of square cross section fitting into a square hole, that it permits an adjustment of the thread at quarter turns only; but if now the surrounding hole is formed by a zigzag polygon following the outline of a combination figure, which results or may be derived from repeating the key section as a geometrical unit at equal pitch angles, say eight or twelve to the circle, or at or 30 degrees respectively, the number of'possible adjustments is multiplied in proportion. The keyway in the female member thereby assumes the shape of a figure, comm-only called a star, and from this feature, which is retained in every variation and application of the invention, I have ventured to call this system the Turnbuckle starlock system.

The advantages of this improvement are threefold.

First, the sixth object of the invention is thereby attained. Taking for example a standard of 10 threads per inch for a turnbuckle, a key of square section fitting into a zigzag polygon of 12 radiating points (see Fig. 25) allows a locking adjustment at every 120th of an inch, which is more than sufficient for all practical purposes. *Vith smaller size turnbuckles the conditions are even more favorable. Assuming for instance, a turnbuckle for a screw having a standard pitch of 24 threads per inch, a triangular key fitting into a starlock of only six outer points, as shown in Figure 27, brings the minimum variation of adjustable length to of an inch, and as will be pointed out afterwards, the possible slip or loss in tension, if the locking is left to the automatic engagement, will in the majority of cases be less than half of this amount.

The second advantage lies in the facllity of manufacture. It is easier to cut or punch with a die a polygon or star out of a plate than it would be to shape or file the key into a prismatic body having the same number of angular protrusions. The form of the key by representing in its cross-section a geometrical unit only of the keyway, is therefore simplified.

The best evidence of the third advantage is given by the following consideration. The triangular key, shown in Figure 27, can engage with the hexagonal star at partial turns of degrees. Theoretically this same result could be obtained by giving the key a cross-section of a simple hexagon fitting into a hexagonal hole, but in that case the angles would be obtuse instead of being acute whereby the hold of the female member upon the male is diminished, and the danger of slipping becomes imminent with increasing pressure or wear.

Regarding the geometrical form of the cross-section of the key and the corresponding keyway there is this much to note Eirstz-The outline of the geometrical unit is confined and limited by the body circle or depth of thread of the rod.

Second :Any shape of cross-section which, when repeated at equal fractions of 860 degrees around the axis of the rod, will indicate a uniform star in one complete revolution, is adapted to serve as keyform and as a unit for the starlock.

Third :A star in this case is understood to be a closed, uncrossed line, consisting of equal and uniform broken or curved components describing a distinctly reciprocating course around and in relation'to a common point, the center of the star. The reciprocation consists in a periodic variation of the radial distances, while the direction of the course is tangential to one or more base circles concentric to the star center.

This implies that unless the theoretical form is for practical reasons shortened or incompletely executed the figure used as a unit, when rotated in a plane about an axial point must prove congruent to itself 111 at least one more posltion than the 1n1t1al one,

furthermore, that the axial point and the center of the star described is coincident with the center of gravity of the figure, and that from this center the unit, as well as the star, can be divided by one or more lines into congruent parts. I

These corollaries however, while applying would be a static to every case, are not in themselves sufficient to supersede the above given definitions and to describe the geometricalproperties of a unit, because the area of a circle for instance, turning in a plane about its center of gravity, is congruent to itself at any angle and can be divided into congruent parts, without describing or suggesting a reciprocating course towards or from this be used for a unit, because after half a revolution (119) it will not be congruent to its first position, nor can it be divided into parts, congruent in the same plane (that is without reversing them) and will therefore not describe a uniform star.

Figure 29 however answers the definitions although it is not symmetrical on line l2l 121 which divides it into congruent halfs.

Figures 25, 26, 27 and 28 also show possible combinations, the units indicated by numerals 116, 123, 125, 127'and the stars by 117, 124, 126 and 128 respectively.

Practice of course will confine itself to a few simple preferred combinations.

hen the starlock plate engages the key some means must be provided to lock or fasten it in this position.

Also when the starlock plate is disengaged, and the turnbuckle is being read justed, the plate has to be temporarily arrested in an out-of-the-way point to run clear of the key.

As outlined by the fifth object of the invention the main requirement for this proposition is a device which affords an instantaneous grip and likewise a release that can be effected by hand on nondetachable parts.

In other words, expressing it in purely technical terms, the resisting force which is used to check the movement of the starlock-plate in the axial direction of the turnbuckle temporarily or as long as desired, must be the result of a dynamic rather than a static arrangement. To illustrate the difference: A cotter pin inserted through the end of'the key-behind the starlock-plate, or a collar or nut to prevent its dislocation, device, depending upon the presence and passive impermeability of the material only. A connection however between the starlock-plate and the turnbuckle, that comprises also the active interference of energy inherent in the device, for instance the resiliency of a spring, gravity or some other kinetic force which in turn is exposed to and yields to manual counteraction along its line of action, would be a dynamic device.

The principal point in this case is not that the integral energy of this connection should be used to hold the male and female members together-which may be the case and is not objectionable, but in view of the purpose expressly stated in the fifth object, the main point is that the connection should comprise a member whose energy must be actuated by manual checking or releasing to complete the closing or opening operation.

It is a matter of option and circumstances how many intermediate links are to be used in this connection between the starlock-plate and the point of support on the turnbuckle, and, as will be shown, will vary according to whether the point of support is taken on the inside or the outside part of the threaded bolt.

The point of application also can vary according to practical requirement. In large turnbuckles. for example, the thread of the rod can safely be used as a hold for the lock, either on the inside of the turnbuckle (see Figure 2) or outside of it (see Figures 17 and 22); with smaller threads this hold would be too precarious besides ruining the helix, and the hold must be confined to the turnbuckle itself as is shown in a separate contemporaneous application f or Letters Patent, referred to above.

There are then three fundamental elements in the starlock-system.

1. The key 2. The starlocleframe (or keyway) 3. The dynamic lock.

No other parts or elements are necessary to make the system operative, and the fourth part, the automatic engagement, which will be spoken of presently, is only an optional addition and modification of the third element to make it more convenient ant safeguard its working.

The function of this part is outlined in the statement of the seventh object and is preferably supplied by a. compressive coil spring.

After stating thus broadly the scientific principles and extant features of the system it remains to describe some of the applications and elaborations of details as shown by the accon'ipanying designs.

Figures 1 to 12 illustratethe device ap plied to a commercial standard turnbuckle. The only change to be made concerns the inner terminals of the rods which are filed or otherwise formed into squares 1 as Figures 11 and 12 shows. The front edges 1 can in this case, as well as in all following cases, be rounded off or the whole key be given a slight taper to facilitate the entrance into the starlock-plate. This plate 2, Figure 8, which is shown here perforated by an eight pointed star 3, is preferably made of hardtempered steel and provided with four ramified extensions 4, bent at right angles into clips 5 which serve as sliding flanges (Figure 9). The locking device consists in this case of two plates and a flat compression spring (see Figs. 6 and 7). Figure 6 shows the first plate 6, which, when out or punched and bent into the shape shown, serves as support for the locking plate proper T, and also for the fourth part, the automatic engagement, referred to later.

As can easily be inferred from the drawing the narrow middle part 8 of the plate when developed has a circular aperture 9 fitting around the threaded rod 10, Figures 1 and 2, with sufficient clearance when assembled. The plate widening out above and below this narrow part to the full width of the slotted surface 11-11 of the turnbuckle is then doubled up, 12 and 12 the doubled up portions are clamped together by clips 13, branching from and integral with the plate 6. Then the remaining portions of the plate are bent at right angles to form parallel skids to slide on the slotted surfaces 1111, the distance between them corre sponding to the height .of the yoke.

Parallel with and in proximity to these upper and lower bends are cut two slots 21 and 21 for inserting and guiding the looking plate 7. This plate is an elongated frame whose width corresponds to the middle part 8 of the support, determined by the width 22, Fig. 1, of the turnbuckle slot, proper clearance being allowed.

The upper edge 23 of this plate is bent at right angles towards the center of the turnbuckle and forms a bifurcated stop 24-2 which, when the plate is pressed down, disengaging the rod, makes contact with the top edge of'the starloek-plate 2, provided that the latter happens to be underneath it, and thereby prevents the upper edge of the oval aperture 28 from interfering with the top of the thread.

The part 25 between the two prongs 24-24: is doubled under. to form a clamp which grips the compression spring 26.

This latter has the form of a bow or an arch whose abutment-s 27 rest on the upper skid extension of plate 6, as shown best in Fi 'ure 4t.

Tn the middle portion the plate 7 has an oval hole 28 whose lower edge 30, normal to the long axis of the ellipse, is the proper operative point of the locking device and is adapted to takea grip on the rod by catching between any adjoining turns of the thread.

To make this biting portion of the plate conform to the pitch or ascending curvature of the thread the sides 31-32 are given a little twist around the longitudinal axis of the elliptical aperture, to the right or left, as the pitch of the bolt thread may call for, but the portion below the edge is rebent into the plane of the top part of the locking late. p After the plate 7 is assembled, by inserting'it through the slots 21" and 21*, the foot 33, being straight as yet, is bent backwards to hook over the doubled up part 12 of the plate 6, as shown best in Figures 2 and 4. The skid portions of the plate 6 are when developed, wider than the width of the slotted surface 1111 and are parted by incisions or cutouts in such a way that the outside parts 34% and 34 canbe bent to form gliding channels for the extensions 4 and 5 of the starlock-plate 2 (Fig. 8), which is made to ride. on the center guides 35 and 35 that pass through the slots 36 and 36 in the starlock-plate provided for this purpose.

For assembling the mechanism the support or skid plate 6, bent into shape as shown, is first inserted into the slot 22 (Fig. 1), holding the middle part in an axial direction, then the plate is canted into alateral direction, the locking plate with the spring in place (Figure 7) is inserted through slots 21 and 21 and the lower end 33 is bent over the part 12 with working clearance. Then the starlock plate 2 is mounted over the center guides 35 and 35*.

It is to be observed here that the sides of the starlock-plate 2 in this arrangement are not made to closely fit either the channels 3% and 34 or the yoke slot 22 but have a. liberal clearance which is now to bemade up by shimplates or fillers 34 and 349, (Figure 5) of brass or other suitable material. This gives facility for properly adjusting the starlock in case that the threaded outlets of the turnbuckle happen to be im properly centered in regard to the yoke 11-11 and also lessens the friction of the extensions 4 and 5 in the channels 345 and 34 The outer shimplates 34 are safeguarded against dropping out by dogs earing, that is, turning the hind corners 34: (Fig. 6) partly over the shimplates (see also Fig. 1). The latter shimplates are superimposed edgewise upon the closefitting sur face shimplates 34 and keep these from coming out.

To the assembly is then added the compression coil spring 37 which represents the automatic engagement and must have length and resiliency enough to protrude a short distance beyond the rear end of the channels 3 1? and 34", when pushing the starlock-plate andthe spring fully up to the front without materially compressing the latter. Its outer diameter corresponds to the available space bet eeeithe yok ms 11:1 and the cent r guides and 35", clearance provided, and its strength must be but moderate, as its function does not call for great force, working at practically right angles to the torsional stress of the rod.

Finally the assembly is completed by stripping the rear plate 38, (Fig. 10) with its slotted ears 38'? over the clips 38 of the channels 341 and 34 while the clips 38 pass through the slots 38 These clips which hitherto extend straight from the ends of the channels are now, after passing through the slots38 and 38 bent over (as already indicated in Fig. 6), secu-ring the rear plate 38 and confining the spring 37 into the available inside space. i

In cases where the outer terminals 39 are connected to shackles 40 so that both can turn easily and independently, two locking devices as shown, are required, one for each rod, but vvwhere there is no relative rotation of the rods to each other and only the turnbuckle can revolve, one locking device only is necessary.

The mode of operation is as follows When both locks are'disengaged and removed frornthe keys towards the middle of the yoke they will leave between them suflicient space to insert a bar or similar implement for adjusting the turnbuckle.

lVhent-his is drawn sufii'ciently tight, the turnbuckle locks are seized one at a time or both at once, and the lock plate is pressed down at 23, so that the prongs 24 will touch the upper edge of the starlock-plate, care being taken that in seizing the bottom of the skid, shown in Fig. 6, the end 33 of the plate 6' is not interfered with. Then the locks are pushed over the keys as far as possible with a moderate compression of the spring 37, and. the hand pressure on 23 is then released. The lower edge 30 now catches on the thread,fastening the device on therod.

The keys 1 meanwhile may or may not have entered the starlo'ck-frames as can plainly be seen. If not, the locks show a position like the one on the right sides of Figs. 1 and' 2. Thestarlock plates press simply. against the ends of the keys. By now striking the bar a gentle tap or jara click may be heard, and the .starlock plates will be observed to slide over the keys. If one tap is not sutlicient to close both ends, a second tap will complete the locking.

But even withoutthis final operation the turnbuckle is safeguarded already against unscrewing, as long as the-locking plate 7 takes a sufficientlyafar reaching bite on the rod to compress the spring 37 somewhat,

leaving the automatic engagement in a,

cooked position.

For when thethread begins to slacken spontaneously, the key will have'to enter the starlcck pl ewa a it a tesin e .complete looking or unlocking.

the next locking position. The loss thus sustained in tension is negligible and, as aforesaid, at the most will be less than the minimum variation in adjustable length.

The unlocking of the turnbuckle is done by pressing the prongs 24: down upon the top of the starlock plate and simply sliding the device back to the middle part of the yoke.

It will be obvious that the dynamic locking device in this case consists in a series or chain of members bringing the starlock plate into a rigid connection with the thread of the bolt.

These intermediate members are successively the lock plate 7, the spring the support 6, the rear plate 38 and the coil spring 37. Two of these members possess elastic force, and the manual release or the suspension of these forces is necessary to It is also clear that the fourth part, the automatic engagement is not an independent element, but consists simply in the elasticity of the last member of this locking chain, where it connects to the starlock plate.

This application of the starlock system exhibits all essential features of it clearly and most elaborately. Nevertheless the device consists only of four punched out plates and two springs, joined together without a single rivet, belt or screw.

There will now be finally considered what changes and simplifications the system allows in cases where the advantage that the addition of the automatic engagement affords is dispensed with.

The elimination of the coil spring 37, which, as was shown above, is not an essential and indispensable feature, but is added mainly for the sake of greater efiiciency, implies also the omission of the parts supporting it (plates 6 and 38). The remaining parts 7 and 2 have to be slightly altered to form a selfcontained mechanism. What then remains of the device is shown by Fi ures 13, 14, and 15.

n the starlocl:plate the sliding flanges l and 5 and the slots 36 and 36 are omitted. Instead its top and bottom parts are bent over in the form of brackets and 91. Both brackets contain the slots, formerly shown at 21 and 21*, Fig. 6 and indicated in Fig. 13 by numerals 92 and 92 only. The brackets extend the whole width of the slotted yoke and supersede the sliding flanges 42 and 5. The upper bracket has in addition the upturned flanges 93 and 93 which confine the spring 26 in its place. The lower edge 33 of the locking plate 17 is turned forwards instead of backwards to form the lower stop, and the prongs 24 of the upper flange 23 are bent downwards to form the upper stops, both kinds of stops to operate on the side brackets 90 and 91 respectively of the starloek-plate. Otherwise the construction is identical with the original device.

In such cases where the range provided for adjustment is only short, and consequently the extra length of thread showing outside the buckle does not afford much space, this form of the invention will be the most economical and least expensive. reducing it to the smallest available space; if however enough play can be provided on the outside part of the threaded bolt, as shown in Figure 17, a still more simplified embodiment of the principles of the invention is possible by transferring the grip upon the thread from the inside of the buckle to the outside, as anticipated already in the conception of the theory.

In that case one can dispense with the spring 26 whose function, that is :to form a resilient union between the starlock plate 2 and the looking plate 17 can be transferred to these two parts by uniting them into one resilient plate (see Figures 16 t0 Th at the locking plate thereby doubles, gripping the thread on the bottom (99) as well as on the top (99) is due to the necessity of providing a gap, opened and closed by the resiliency of the spring, similar to the gap between 92 and 33 shown in Fig. 13. Otherwise this plate is formed and acts on the same principles as before, though its three constituents 2, 26 and 17 are now combined in one single plate of spring steel, shown before a bending in Figure 21.

The recesses 94 and 94 serve as guides and supports for the middle part containing the starlock 3. The inner rims of the looking eyelets 99 and 99 are interrupted by the lips 95 and 96, cut or punched out as shown. These lips are to be curled to form halfround stops indicated by 95 and 96 Fig. 17, which glide over the threads with out danger of gripping or injuring them when the lock is disengaged. This is done by pressing the upper and lower arms 98 and 98 together and pulling the middle portion of the plate off the key. As soon as the key becomes disengaged the arms are freed, then the catches 99 and 99 which are formed and pitched analogous to former locking edges take hold again of the thread. But while arresting the plate they will permit the rod to be turned and to advance freely between them until the key again reaches the starlock.

If the turning of the rod is continued, the spring will incidentally transform itself into an automatic engagement, that is, the spring will yield enough to develop a moderate tension on the part containing the starlock, and as soon as the position of the key permits, it will slip over the edge and lock the key. If this is not desired then-and being somewhat longer than the other, as a comparison with Figure 17 will disclose.

of this same device, identical in principles and general arrangement, by means of a single continuous wire. It therefore introduces no new element ofconstruction, as in fact none of the two last devices does, but they merely represent the gradual and ultimate skeletonizing, so to speak, of the original scheme, just as circumstances may permit.

The wire starts at 100, Figure 24,

wound into a coil 101, then forms the upper catch loop 102, 110 102 (see Figs. 22- and 23), is then wound into a coil 108, thereupon outlines the starlock-keyway 104, which is in this'case based upon a rectangular key as a unit, but may aswell present some other suitable form, then it forms the coil 105 and the lower catch loop 106, 110", 106 after which it is wound into a coil 10? and closes the circuit by the hook 108 which, together with 100, is held fast by the loop 109 formed by the'starlock 104.

It will be seen thatthe originally weak resiliency of the locking arms is greatly increased by the coils 101, 103, 105' and 107 also that the starlock-portion, confined in the slot by the yoke and the coils forms a very substantial frame-and is well suited to supersede a solid plate. It may also be remembered that the biting portion of the catch loops 110 and 110 must follow the pitch of the thread, may this be a right-orleft-handed one. Also that in order to get a maximum range of adjustment the length of the locking arms must approximately correspond to the length of thread available or presumably required, as Figure 17 shows best.

Thus it will be seen that the starlock-system in logical consequence leads up to very simple and inexpensive forms and afl'ords a variety of applications, which was the goal of the first object of this invention.

Other forms and modifications are possible along the lines indicated, and it is therefore understood that the invention is not to be confined to the exact description and showing presented but rather to the claims hereto appended.

I claim:

1. In a turnbuckle, comprising a slotted buckle and one or two rods threaded into the buckle, the combination with a perforated frame sliding in the slotted portion of said buckle and forming a male and female locking union with the inner end of the threaded rod, whose end section is of such particular shape that when rotated it will fit at different angles into the contour of the frame perforation; of-a gripping device supported by said frame and acting upon said threaded rod, and a spring, cooperating with the gripping device in such manner that it normally effects the grip of Figure 22 finallyillustrates the execution said device upon the threaded turnbuckle rod, while its actuation relea'ses'the gripping engagement.

' 2. The combination" with a turnbuckle,

consisting of a buckle and one or two rods threaded into the buckle; of a support slid ably engaged. with the buckle, a sliding frame, guided by and movable on the support, said frame being provided with a starshaped opening, representing a keyway, a. key formed on one of the inner ends of the threaded rods, representing a star-unit, substantially as defined, a gripping device mounted on said support and adapted to engage the thread of said rod, a. spring cooperating with the gripping device for actuating said engagement, and means to interlock the keyway with the key when the gripping device has engaged the threaded rod. 1 i

3. In a turnbuckle, a slotted member, one or two rods threaded into'this' member, a plate, mounted at right'an'gles tothe axis of rotation, slidably engaged with the slot ted portion of said member andhaving a star-shaped opening concentric with the axis of the threaded rods, akey formed on the inner end of oneof these rods, having such sectional area that it can engage with said star-shaped opening to lockthe rod against rotation, a perforated frame adapted to sur-- round the thread of the keyed rod in such manner that it can take an engaging grip j upon the thread, a spring device resting on supports integral wit-h and extending from the aforesaid plate, means to connect this spring device operatively with said gripping frame, and means to limit the engaging and disengaging movements of the springactuated frame.

4. In a turnbuckle, a slotted member, one or two rods threaded in alignment into this member, a'skid-like support guided by the slotted member, a plate mounted at right angles to the turnbuckle axis, adapted to move in an axial direction in connection with said support and provided with a star-shaped opening, a key integral with and formed on the inner end of one turnbuckle rod, said key adapted to engage with the Starshaped opening in the aforesaid plate to lock the rod against rotation, a frame, movably mounted on the skid-like support and adapted to take an engaging grip upon the rod, a spring device actuating the gripping movement of said frame, a limit stop connected with said frame, and means to automatically engage the star-shaped opening in the plate with the key, as soon as the key turns into a position registering with the contour of the star-shaped opening.

5. The combination with a turnbuckle, comprising a slotted member and one or two rods threaded into this member, of a skidlike support guided by the slotted member, a plate adjustably mounted on the support, independently movable in an axial direction, and provided with a starshaped opening, a key integral with and formed on the inner end of one turnbuckle rod, said key being adapted to enter into a locking engagement with said star-shaped opening in the aforesaid plate, a frame adapted to engage the thread of the rod, a spring mounted on the, support and forming a resilient seat for this frame, two limit stops to regulate the movements of said frame, and a coil spring sustained and guided by the skid-like support in such a manner that it will force the plate with the star-shaped opening over the key as soon as the relative position of these two parts will permit it.

6. The combination with a turnbuckle, comp-rising a buckle and one or two rods threaded into the buckle; of a key, integral with and formed on the in er end of one of the rods, of two plates and a pring forming a self-contained separate lock-a device, slidably engaged with the turnbuckle, the first plate being provided with a cutout fitting at a multiplicity of angles on the said key, the second plate provided with a cutout adapted to take a locking grip on the turnbuckle rod, and the spring forming an operative connection between the two plates.

7. The combination with a turnbuckle, comprising a buckle and one or two rods threaded into the buckle; .of a key formed on the inner end of one of the rods, and of four plates and two springs, forming a selfcontained separate lockin device, the first plate bent into a skid-like main support, slidab-ly engaged with the turnbuckle and adapted to guide and sustain the other plates and springs, the second plate provided with ,a cutout adapted to take a locking grip on the turnbuckle rod when actuated by the first spring, the third plate provided with a cutout fitting at a multiplicity of angles on the said key, and adapted to engage with said key when actuated by the second spring, and the fourth plate forming a support for the second spring; the springs serving as Opera tive connections between the plates and for the purpose set forth.

8. T he combination with a turnbuckle, comprising a slotted buckle and one or two rods threaded into the buckle; of a key formed on the inner end of one of the rods, a separate locking element, slidably engaged with the buckle, said element having an aperture forming a keyway which fits a, a multiplicity of angles on the key, and being provided with an elastic part, integral with said element, and adapted to take a gripping hold on said keyed rod, and of means to operatively engage and disengage the locking element with the rod, substantially as shown and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

RICHARD A. HOFFMANN. 

